香港殯儀服務-私營骨灰龕位代理

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Amnesty looms in rumpus over private urn stores

Most private columbariums are likely to be given an amnesty under a proposal by the Food and Health Bureau.In a paper to a Legislative Council panel, to be discussed next week, it is proposed that a statutory licensing board be set up to issue licenses to private concerns wishing to store the ashes of others.

The food safety and environmental hygiene panel will be told clear and stringent criteria will be implemented to prevent proposed exemptions from being abused by operators.All operators will have to run self- owned premises and comply with other statutory and government requirements relating to town planning, building and fire safety, environmental hygiene and protection as well as land-lease conditions.

"The licensing board, when granting a license, will impose appropriate conditions to protect consumers' interests and minimize nuisance to the neighboring community," the paper states.

"Breach of licensing conditions might lead to suspension or cancellation of the license."

It goes on: "The licensing board will promulgate a code of practice on aspects such as fire prevention and staff training to guide the licensees."

The bureau hopes to table a private columbarium bill that clearly stipulates regulatory requirements on the operation of urns to the Legislative Council for scrutiny in the final quarter of next year.

Chui said. The lists were compiled in an attempt to help consumers identify trustworthy operators amid the proliferation of private urn storage facilities, several in controversial sites.Lawmaker Leung Yiu-chung said it sounds as though all operators are being given an amnesty.

"It is ridiculous for the government to allow the operation of columbariums that are built very close to residential areas," Leung said.

Hong Kong Columbarium Merchants Association vice president Lai Hau- yan disagreed with Leung, saying he believes the criteria will be stringent and tough enough. Lai hopes columbariums already established in traditional temples will be able to continue operating.

Eddie Luk 07/12/2012 - thestandard.com.hk

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